11 Little Mental Health Tips That Therapists Actually Give Their Patients

We all know that taking care of our mental health is important. But sometimes it can be hard to remember to actually do the things that help us stay mentally healthy. That’s why we asked therapists to share the little mental health tips they give their patients. Here are 11 of them. Use them to help you make taking care of your mental health a part of your daily routine!  And if you’re looking for more ways to take care of your mental health, check out these 23 habits that happy people have in common.

Get enough sleep

In these crazy times, getting enough sleep might seem like an impossible dream – but don’t give up hope! Though it may be difficult, proper rest is vital for mental health, so make sure you allocate some time to kick back and relax. Supporting yourself with healthy lifestyle habits is important, so before hitting the hay for the night, throw on your favorite pajamas and get that long-awaited zzzs!

Eat healthily and regularly

Eating regularly and eating healthy can be seen as two sides of the same coin: both go hand in hand in helping us stay active, sharp, and feel our best! Eating healthy isn’t just about nourishing your body; its mental health implications are significant too. Becoming aware of what you put into your body can help regulate moods, reduce stress, and leave you feeling energized. So say goodbye to the days of mental sluggishness and unhealthy snacking – eating healthy and regularly can do wonders for improving mental clarity!

try writing your thoughts down

Writing down your thoughts can be a great mental health tool to help you make sense of everything going on inside your head. Not only will it give you an opportunity to take stock of what’s been happening, but it could also help you express yourself in a more creative way. It is almost like giving yourself permission to fully explore the endless depths of your imagination. And the best part? You get to read back your own words, and no one else has to know! So why not give it a go and see where your mind takes you?

Take breaks when needed

Taking breaks can be difficult, especially when we’re heads-down and in work mode! But studies have shown that taking a break leads to increased focus and efficiency. So why not listen to your body and take a pause? Whether it’s getting away from your desk for a few minutes, stepping outside for some sunshine, or grabbing coffee with a friend, the benefits are real and the return on investment is substantial. Take back control of your day and give yourself permission to take breaks when needed – you won’t regret it!

When you’re super stressed and overwhelmed, see if there’s any way to put a positive spin on it.

When mental health zaps away your energy and you’re feeling overwhelmed, try to find a positive spin. Even in the worst of times, it’s important to look for things that can help us relax and calm down. Whether it’s walking your dog, taking a hot bath, or calling up an old friend, think of a few ways you can make whatever is stressing you out as bearable as possible. Making sure you stay mentally healthy is always key. So instead of defaulting to negativity, turn it around and lighten the mood!

Be aware of your thoughts and emotions

It’s no secret that our thoughts and emotions can have a huge impact on our well-being. From the moment we wake up to the moment we go to sleep, we all experience a wide range of feelings and ideas – some positive, some negative. While allowing yourself to process your emotions is important for mental health, being aware of how our thoughts and feelings are influencing us can also be beneficial. Keeping track of these internal experiences can help us tackle difficult tasks with greater resilience and remind us to enjoy the small moments too! So don’t be afraid to check in with yourself every now and then – your mind will thank you!

Make a list of “your people.”

With mental health playing such an important part in our daily well-being, it is essential we surround ourselves with the right people. I like to think of my friends and family as “my people” – those who remind me that joy can be found in even the smallest of moments, who never judge me for my mistakes, and who are ready to lend a helping hand (and laugh) when I need it most. My people make life worth living, full of special memories no one else will ever understand; they motivate my growth and are always there to help me learn from my missteps. Most importantly, though: They make me happy!

Ask yourself “and then what?” when you’re stuck on an anxious thought.

Have you ever been stuck in a mental loop that just won’t quit? We’ve all had moments like this, where a single anxious thought takes hold and begins to race through our brains like a marathon runner on fire. In such moments it can be incredibly helpful to recognize what’s happening, stop for a moment and ask yourself this important question: “and then what?”. It might sound silly, but chances are that breaking the mental cycle of anxious thoughts can help you take an essential step toward improving your mental health. So the next time you find yourself in an anxious mental loop – remember to pause for a minute and just ask yourself “and then what?”

Talk back to your inner voice.

When our mental health gets in a funk, it’s easy to have negative self-talk. We can all experience moments of insecurity and doubt, but it’s important to remember that we have the power to talk back to that inner voice and counterbalance it with positive affirmations. It may sound cheesy, but telling yourself nice things like “I’m beautiful,” “I’m strong,” or “I’m capable” is actually helpful in improving mental health. So when the naysayer inside starts yammering away, don’t just sit by idly – talk back to your inner voice and show it who’s boss!

Do something you enjoy every day – read, listen to music, watch a movie, etc.

Life can get incredibly busy, leaving little time to stop and just have fun. That’s why it’s important to do something you enjoy every single day! Whether it’s watching a movie, listening to music, reading a book, or going for a walk – pick an activity that brings you joy and slot it into your day. Enjoying yourself doesn’t need a lot of time or effort, but it totally pays off in the end; taking some much-needed time out will put an extra spring in your step and give you the boost that you need to face the rest of the week. Go ahead – treat yourself!

If you want to be happier, start by taking care of yourself! Getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising, and spending time outdoors are all great ways to boost your mood. And don’t forget to have some fun too – make sure to do something you enjoy every day. With these simple tips, you’ll be feeling better in no time!